Torres del Paine W Trek 4-Day Tour (short version)

Welcome to the 4-Day W Trek

We know that a 4-day mountain route requires meticulous planning, that's why an introduction to the tour is done in person or online. 

In addition, a few days before you arrive at Puerto Natales you’ll receive an email with instructions to pick up your welcome kit (it includes tickets, a map, a metal bottle...). The briefing is also an opportunity to ask questions and resolve any last-minute doubts.

Access to Torres del Paine National Park

The first day of the 4-Day Torres del Paine tour starts early. The first leg of your trip to the park begins at the bus station in Puerto Natales, where your bus will depart at 7:00 am. 

The bus will take you to the Laguna Amarga Welcome Center where you’ll register as a visitor and enter the park. 

Torres del Paine Base Trekking

Once inside the park, a shuttle bus will take you to the Welcome Center and from there your Base Torres del Paine trekking begins.

The route of the first day will be the iconic ascent to the Base Torres viewpoint. The 13.6 mi (22 km) of the route is divided into three parts: initial slope, descent, and final ascent. 

The trail will start flat for 1 mi (2 km) and then cross into the Ascencio River Valley, where your route becomes steep. Next is about 2 mi (3 km) of trail before reaching the Paso de los Vientos.

Lenga Forest - La Morrena - Base Torres Lookout Point

You will continue along a flat stretch of 2.5 mi (4 km) that passes through the Chileno Sector. This part of the route leads through an entirely different ecosystem, the Lenga Forest. The edge of the forest marks the beginning of the third section of the route: the final ascent. We recommend stopping here and filling up your water bottle before trekking the last stretch.

For almost 1 mi (2 km) you will find a windy path between big rocks. The slope may be difficult but every step is worth the burn when you reach: the viewpoint Base Torres del Paine.

Torres del Paine Base Viewpoint

From this viewpoint, you can enjoy the sweeping landscape featuring the Torres del Paine Lake and the famous granite towers that lend the national park its name. 

Central or Chileno Sector

After taking a breather, start your way back along the same trail, until reaching the Central or Chileno Sector. This is where you can check in at the reception of the lodge and get your assigned time for dinner and breakfast the next day. Finally, you’ll have free time to rest, shower, have a drink at the bar, and eat dinner.

💬 Note that the Chilean Sector is located 3 mi (5 km) away from the Central Sector, so if you’re staying in the Chilean Sector your route on Day 1 will be shorter. Accommodations in the Chileno Sector are assigned when the Central Sector is full (only tents are available in the Central Sector)

Lake Nordenskjöld

After breakfast, the second day in Torres del Paine begins with the least demanding stage. In this section, there is very little elevation gain and the trail has been well-maintained. Today you’ll walk along the Nordenskjöld lake, cross a small river, and walk the stretches along the beaches next to the lake.

Almirante Nieto Mountain - Cuernos del Paine

During most of the route, the scenery consists of Cerro Almirante Nieto and the Cuernos del Paine. True Patagonian gems in all their splendor are a remarkable backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Francés Sector in Torres del Paine

Without a doubt, this is the best day to enjoy the scenery, therefore we recommend not rushing. Also, you’ll be walking between 4.5 and 6.5 hours (depending on the location of your accommodations). So take it easy and enjoy the views.

Both the French and Cuernos Sectors have the smallest and coziest lodges and campsites. Some travelers prefer to stay in the Francés Sector to take a few miles/kilometers off the next day's route, while others prefer to enjoy the Cuernos Sector, our favorite sector because of the lodge’s welcoming atmosphere. 

💬Please note that if you stayed in the Chileno Sector the night before, your route will be 3 mi (5 km) longer.

The Torres del Paine 4-Day tour includes the second and third night of lodging in the Francés Sector or Cuernos Sector (depending on availability). Both are comfortable options, however, if you have a preference, please let us know when making your reservation and we’ll do our best to adapt your wishes.

Italian Camp - French Lookout

The penultimate day of the 4-Day W Route is one of the most demanding days due to the cumulative elevation gain needed to reach the French and British viewpoints.

Starting from the Cuernos Sector, the first stretch before reaching the Francés Sector is a flat 2.5 mi (4 km). This continues for almost a mile (1.4 km) to an intersection where the trail splits in two. One ascends to the French and British lookout and the other continues to Paine Grande. 

Today, take the road that goes up to the viewpoints and walk .5 mi (1km) to "Campamento Italiano". This camp is for the exclusive use of CONAF park rangers and offers a "nursery" service where many travelers leave their large backpacks to not have to carry them during the climb to the viewpoints, and only carry a small backpack with water, warm clothes and snacks. 

The hike to the French lookout begins and includes a 1.5 mi (2.5 km) walk with 984 ft (300 m) of elevation gain.

Torres del Paine British Lookout

Once at the French viewpoint you can continue to the British viewpoint, 2.5 mi (4 km) long with 918 ft (280 m) of elevation gain. After reaching the viewpoint you’ll find a rocky area to climb where the best pictures of the British viewpoint can be had. Enjoy the best views in town as well. 

Skottsberg Lake

To complete the route, return along the same path and pick up your backpack from the "nursery". Next, continue walking the remaining miles (km) to the Francés or Cuernos Sector downhill, something your legs will be grateful for. 

If you’re staying in the Cuernos Sector on the third night of the tour, you’ll have to add another almost 2 mi (3 km) to your route.

Mount Paine Grande

The last day of the 4-Day Torres del Paine tour is an 8.6 mi (14 km) route through the Paine Grande sector. Throughout the route, you’ll notice that some sections have wooden barriers to promote the regrowth of an area that suffered a fire. The trail also features a suspension bridge (an Indiana Jones-style bridge) that crosses a river and lends views of both the lake and the Cerro Paine Grande. A great spot for memorable photos. 

The first viewpoint of Grey Glacier

Only a few well-trained travelers manage to reach the first viewpoint of the Grey Glacier on this day because the route is more than 18 mi (30 km) long. This viewpoint is so popular because it allows you to admire the magnitude of the glacier and see its ice floes drifting on Lake Grey. 

Paine Grande 🚢 Pudeto 🚌 Puerto Natales

Once you’ve reached Paine Grande you’ll go to the pier to board the catamaran (boat) that will take you to Pudeto (the catamaran ticket is included in the price of the tour). In Pudeto you’ll catch the bus that will take you back to Puerto Natales, where you will arrive at 9:30 pm.

🚨Please ensure you accurately calculate your walking time because you’ll need to be at the pier at least 20 minutes before the boat departs.